UEFA have announced that the 2020/21 Youth League has been cancelled.
UEFA took the decision to cancel the U19 tournament to protect the health of young players, without a ball being kicked.
In December, UEFA announced a 64 team knockout competition due to start in March.
Liverpool were due to face Olympique de Marseille in their first game of the competition. However, it was announced on Wednesday that this season’s tournament would be cancelled.
Travel between European countries has been an issue for teams playing in continental tournaments. Many games in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League have been played in neutral venues.
A UEFA statement said: “The travelling restrictions affecting participating clubs create major difficulties for organising their matches. Two clubs have already withdrawn from the competition.”
“The UEFA Executive Committee stressed that there is no possibility to further postpone the start of the competition and that the health and safety of youth players must be given highest possible priority.”
Ties in the UEFA Champions and League and Europa League have had to be played at neutral venues.
Liverpool were knocked out in the Round of 16 in last seasons edition of the UEFA Youth League. Eventual finalists Benfica defeated the Young Red’s 4 1 in March 2020.
Real Madrid are the current holders of the UEFA Youth League trophy, defeating Benfica 3 2 in last August’s final.
